Chapter 17: Adena — Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Adena carries a black silk gown through the castle halls, heading to Paedyn's room for the final ball. The corridors are crowded with staff and Imperials, a reminder of the earlier attack. As she walks, she becomes distracted by the plush carpet underfoot, imagining how comfortable such a rug would be in the Fort she shares with Paedyn. Her daydreaming causes her to collide with Prince Kai.
Kai immediately recognizes her as Paedyn's seamstress from Loot, noting that she is the only one daring enough to wear black instead of the customary green. Adena is flustered but manages to confirm his guess. They discuss Paedyn's choice of dress color, and Kai expresses approval, saying he wouldn't want her to blend in. Adena mentions her plan to memorize the carpet's feel so she and Paedyn can find a similar rug for their Fort. Kai, after a brief pause, advises her to phase through the wall to reach Paedyn's room faster, then leaves with a smirk.
Adena follows his advice, phasing through the wall and entering Paedyn's room. There, she finds Ellie struggling with Paedyn's hair. Adena unveils the gown, and Paedyn is awestruck. Adena teases her about a certain prince, and Paedyn blushes but deflects. When Adena mentions she spoke with Kai in the hallway, Paedyn becomes flustered and asks what they discussed. Adena summarizes, adding that Kai will definitely want to dance with her. Paedyn sighs, saying too much happened and she'll explain after the Trial.
Adena helps Paedyn into the dress, tightening the corset despite Paedyn's complaints about breathing. Paedyn straps her silver dagger to her thigh, and Ellie finishes her hair in a loose updo. Adena admires the result, calling Paedyn dangerous but elegant. Before Paedyn leaves, Adena asks her to promise she'll make it back after the Trial. Paedyn promises to try her hardest, saying one more Trial and they'll be free. Paedyn heads to the ballroom, and Ellie asks Adena if she's off to see her boy. Adena confirms, excited for her night at the Fort. But as she steps into the hallway, a young servant stops her and delivers a single, rehearsed line: the king has requested to speak with her that evening.
Key Events
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Adena collides with Prince Kai in the hallway while carrying Paedyn's black gown.
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Kai identifies Adena as Paedyn's seamstress and approves of Paedyn's choice to wear black instead of green.
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Kai advises Adena to phase through the wall to reach Paedyn's room faster.
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Adena enters Paedyn's room, where Ellie is styling Paedyn's hair.
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Adena tells Paedyn about her conversation with Kai, and Paedyn deflects, saying too much happened.
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Adena helps Paedyn into the dress, tightens the corset, and Paedyn straps her dagger to her thigh.
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Adena asks Paedyn to promise she'll survive the Trial; Paedyn promises to try her hardest.
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Paedyn leaves for the ballroom, and Adena prepares to visit Mak at the Fort.
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A servant delivers the king's summons to Adena, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.
Character Development
Adena – This chapter is told from Adena's perspective, offering a fresh lens on the castle and its tensions. Her loyalty to Paedyn is evident in her careful handling of the dress and her emotional plea for Paedyn's safety. She also reveals her own secret: her relationship with Mak, which she has kept from Paedyn. Her encounter with Kai shows her perceptiveness—she quickly reads his approval of Paedyn's defiance and even decides he is the prince destined for Paedyn. Yet she also feels the weight of the class divide, remembering that Kai could have Mak killed with a word. Her excitement about visiting Mak is abruptly cut short by the king's summons, hinting at danger.
Paedyn – Though not the narrator, Paedyn's exhaustion and determination come through. She is overwhelmed by recent events, asking to explain after the Trial. Her promise to try her hardest underscores the life-or-death stakes. Her choice to wear black, and to carry a dagger, reinforces her defiance and readiness for whatever comes.
Prince Kai – Kai's brief appearance deepens his characterization. He is observant, recognizing Adena instantly. His approval of Paedyn's black dress—saying he wouldn't want her to blend in—shows his appreciation for her boldness, contrasting with his brother's likely expectations. His casual advice about phasing through walls hints at his own familiarity with the castle's secrets.
Ellie – A minor but supportive presence, Ellie helps with Paedyn's hair and teases Adena about her